KOLKATA: A large number of chit fund depositors and agents, who were duped by Saradha Group, on Thursday took to the streets under the umbrella of ‘Sufferers Unity Forum’, demanding the resignation of West Bengal Chief Minister and Trinamool Congress chief Mamata Banerjee and punishment of all politicians involved in the scam.
Former Supreme Court Judge Asok Ganguly, who marched along with the irate depositors, said, “We are expressing solidarity with the victims of Saradha chit fund scam.
“The state government is not taking any steps to ensure that they get their money back. We want the guilty to be punished. We also condemn the manner in which attempts are being made to scuttle the CBI probe.”
Former Vice-Chancellor of Visva Bharati Rajat Kanti Roy also demanded punishment for the guilty and said he was taking part in the protest march since many accused in the scam were roaming scot-free, while the poor investors were in dire straits.
On his part, CPM leader Shyamal Chakraborty vehemently condemned the sportspersons, who were holding sit-in against the arrest of state Transport Minister Madan Mitra in connection with the Saradha chit fund scam.
“These sportspersons were once our heroes and it is unfortunate that now they are coming out in support of looters. The demonstration venue is now deserted and they should see this wave of people who are demanding justice. It is a signal for Mamata to step down,” he said.